17 comments:

I used to love finding things like that in my grandpa's barn & garage. When I cleaned out my dad's closet after he passed, last year, I found some pretty old .22 ammo still in boxes, too - along with an older .22 rifle with the Western Auto logo on it. After some 'net research, I advised Mom to sell it all in her garage sale. She did okay. :)

I understand...I've a couple like of their nature too. I squeeze as gently as possible..then one will pop in with a Smith model number 1 to show off and then have the gall to walk back out with it. Face slap.

So Stephen you're the one to ask I think. Why is it so many old timers have 16ga. shotguns? My grandfather had like six of em and they were all single shot ones and I am sure he got them from his father or grand father. Was it that popular of a gun way back when? Well I guess it must have been... my real question is why was it so popular I guess.

Good question. I phoned my father. Now it must be understood he's been a gun writer (long retired) and wildcatter for over seventy years. He said, "Tell him it was because it was a 'in between.' Little more power than the twenty, less kick than the twelve. And, Winchester and Remington had great shotgun models to pitch. So, there you go. Your guess is as good has his. He then remarked, 'remember, most were sold during the great depression and single shots were cheap, meat guns, for the masses. So, there you have it....

Thanks for researching that Stephen. Now that I think about it my grandfather did mention he had acquired a shotgun each from his and the in-laws when they past on. Of course I believe 2 or 3 were much older than depression era but the same rules apply in these parts I imagine.

I think 16ga. was all he owned shotgun-wise. Sadly all those shotguns slipped through my young fingers to older relatives when his time came.

I have a cigar box full of old paper shells my grandfather gave me before he passed away. Those shells are worth their weight in gold to me. He told me when he bought shells back in the 1930's, you didn't buy a box at a time, they were too expensive. The stores sold the shells as singles, so he might just buy 2 or 3 to go hunting. He made sure when he shot he was on target, it would mean the difference between having meat for supper and just having beans and biscuts!

Great history lesson and goes along with what I just wrote...the depression lefts its mark in many ways. Single purchased shells for single shot firearms. Thanks for the great comment...take care, my friend.

What would you recommend in this day and age for a first gun? My husband owns a couple of decent shotguns but they really bother these old shoulders. Ive shot a couple of 9mm and .40 cals and like them both. Remember Im a newbie in the gun world!! Suggestions?

Oh, Lisa. What a hazard filled question...if you want the truth I almost always recommend first time shooters to begin with a simple .22 chambered rifle or handgun. First time shooters must always start with the basics...breath control, trigger control, sight alignment, but first and foremost,safety. The .22's sound and recoil help you focus on these areas. Then move on to the larger calibers. I like the nine mil you mentioned. Be if I may be so bold, try a revolver first. They work. They seldom have mechanical issues. Then, step into the world of semi-autos. If you seek that first 'gun' for self-protection then you will want a handgun. But truthfully, it doesn't matter...you have at least taken that important step into the world of the gun culture. You recognize your God given right to self-protection. Seek professional training, and welcome.